Making a Difference at Home and Around the World
Making a Difference at Home and Around the World
Tree Of Hope
About the Tree
For the past 25 years the Tree of Hope, a focal point in the Landmark District, has been a bright symbol of inspiration and hope to our community. While the Tree of Hope was originally meant to be a single event, it has been lit every year since 1997 and seen its share of evolution.
The tree now stands over 120 feet tall and has approximately 25,000 LED energy efficient bulbs. The Tree of Hope has become a community tradition in Kelowna, and is attended by thousands of people each and every year. The magic of the Tree of Hope is that it is has become an iconic symbol for good. Not only does it light up our city with holiday spirit, it has also become a beacon for philanthropy and symbolizes Kelowna as a community known for its kindness and charitable giving.
In partnership with the tenants of Landmark District and TD Canada Trust, the Tree of Hope donates funds each year to local charitable organizations, shedding light on issues and organizations that need our collective attention. To date, millions of dollars have been donated to charities across Canada!
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Visit the Tree
Located at the Tree of Hope Plaza at Landmark 7!
1700 Dickson Avenue - in the heart of Landmark District.
The Tree of Hope is lit from November 25th, 2021 through to January 2nd, 2022.
Raising Hope
The Tree of Hope is more than just a holiday symbol. It is also an opportunity to usher in a season of compassion, generosity, and gratitude, all while educating ourselves on issues that face our community and charities that exist to address them.
Each year, the Tree of Hope seeks not only light up our community with hope and holiday spirit, but also shed light on a complex social issue facing our community. In partnership with the Landmark District, TD Canada Trust, and the Stober Foundation, RAISING HOPE 2022 seeks to highlight, address, and elevate the conversation of FAMILY and COMMUNITY.
We are pleased to announce that the 2022 co-recipients of the Tree of Hope funding are;
1. The YMCA of the Southern Interior
2. BGC Okanagan
These incredible organizations, along with the Stober Foundation and TD Canada Trust, have collaboratively undertaken a $1,000,000 capital fundraising campaign to better help support families within our community throughout their quality work and programming.
The History of the Tree
For the past 25 years, the Tree of HOPE, a focal point in the Landmark District, has been a bright symbol of inspiration and hope to our community. However, Kelowna residents are likely unaware of the unique story of how the tree came to be!
It all started with a 160-foot construction crane standing idle next to the completed shell of the Landmark 2 Tower in 1997. “What if we could dangle a giant Christmas tree from the lifting hook of the crane?”, Al Stober wondered. Inspired, he drew a little sketch on a napkin at a local restaurant. He showed the drawing to his sons (Ken and Mark) and before they left the restaurant a plan was in place. By early December that year, the tree was finished, casting its glorious radiance across the city - a glowing reminder of the spirit of the Christmas season.
The tree now stands over 120 feet tall and has approximately 25,000 LED energy efficient bulbs. Over the years, the Tree of Hope has become a community tradition in Kelowna, attended by thousands of people each and every year. The magic of the Tree of Hope is that it is has become an iconic symbol for good. Not only does it light up our city with holiday spirit, it has also become a beacon for philanthropy and symbolizes Kelowna as a community known for its kindness and charitable giving.
Our family never would have believed, that back in 1997 that hanging a Christmas tree from the top of the crane would become an annual event celebrating Hope in our community. But knowing how this community rallies behind good, it's not surprise this Tree continues to be so meaningful to so many!
To date, over $1,000,000 has been donated to charities within our community!
Ken Stober
Lighting the Tree of Hope each year brings so much pride and joy to my life because we are able to continue Al’s vision of creating a tangible focus of inspiration and hope for thousands of people in our community each year. The Tree of Hope represents so much more than just the holidays. It represents community, connectedness, and collaboration. It’s a celebration of what we can achieve and inspire when we all come together as one.
Ken Stober, Director
The Stober Group
Carolyn Stober
Each and every year I eagerly look forward to the evening of the magical light up of the Tree of Hope. It has become a highlight of the year for myself and my family and has become the unofficial launch of the Christmas season in Kelowna! For me, the Tree of Hope ignites a joyful optimism reminding me that we are not alone in the challenges we face, and how we face them together as a community.
Carolyn Stober, Director
The Stober Group
Dave McAnerney
The Tree of Hope for me has always symbolized the commencement of the Christmas season – a special time with family and friends. As I learned more about the Tree of Hope, it’s come to symbolize community, gratitude, kindness and generosity to those in need. I look forward each year to seeing what important charity will be selected by the Stober Foundation and feel incredible warmth in seeing the generosity it inspires.
Dave McAnerney, Chief Executive Officer
The Stober Group
Keith Brewster
The Tree of Hope is my absolute favourite event of the year. We have the privilege of inviting our community to the Landmark District and celebrating connection, collaboration, and community philanthropy via the Stober Foundation. Kelowna is quite simply the best place to live, and what makes it so special are the people who live here.
Keith Brewster, Lead Philanthropist
The Stober Foundation
The Next Generation of Family Philanthropy
Our family foundation was created to help those in need. We have been tremendously blessed to be in the graceful position to help others. As a family, we need to come together and adapt in order to provide support and opportunities for change. In doing so, we can help others become whole, better their circumstances, their lives, and ultimately the lives of so many others through their success. Let us steward with grace, effectively and with great impact.
- Sandra Stober, Foundation Co-Founder